White Spirit (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | Hartlepool , England |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
White Spirit was a heavy metal group originating from Hartlepool, England, primarily recognized for their guitarist Janick Gers, who subsequently collaborated with Ian Gillan, Bruce Dickinson, and eventually became a member of Iron Maiden. The founding lineup featured Bruce Ruff on vocals, Malcolm Pearson handling keyboards, Phil Brady on bass, and Graeme Crallan on drums. Subsequent formations included vocalist Brian Howe, guitarist Mick Tucker, and bassist Toby Sadler. Between 2022 and 2024, Pearson and Tucker spearheaded the band's revival.
History
Established in 1975 by Gers and Crallan, White Spirit emerged during the new wave of British heavy metal era but exhibited a style more reminiscent of 1970s hard rock bands such as Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. Their first single, "Backs to the Grind," was launched in 1980 through the independent label Neat Records, with "Cheetah" as its B-side. These tracks were featured on various NWOBHM compilations, including Neat's Lead Weight and New Wave of British Heavy Metal '79 Revisited collections.
As NWOBHM gained momentum, White Spirit secured a contract with MCA and issued their only album, White Spirit, in 1980. The album's cover was designed by Michael Spaldin. That same year, they performed at the prestigious Reading Festival. In 1981, Janick Gers departed to join the solo project of former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan, contributing to the albums Double Trouble and Magic. After Gillan disbanded his solo outfit and joined Black Sabbath, Gers also took part in the UK supergroup Gogmagog, which released a single EP in 1985.
Following his time with White Spirit, bassist Phil Brady joined the Teesside metal band Therapy between 1990 and 1991. After Brady's departure post-album release, Ian Shuttleworth succeeded him on bass before Toby Sadler took over. Drummer Graeme Crallan collaborated with Mick Tucker in joining Tank in 1984, contributing to their Honour & Blood album before leaving in 1985. Crallan tragically died in London in 2008 as a result of an accident.
In 2005, Castle Communications reissued White Spirit’s album, including a bonus disc filled with rare tracks, demos, alternate takes, and B-sides. Among these was "Watch Out," initially part of the 60 Minutes Plus compilation (1982), featuring Brian Howe—later known for his work with Ted Nugent and Bad Company—on vocals following Bruce Ruff's exit. A remastered version was released in Japan by Universal Music Japan in 2008; however, it excluded some bonus material present on the Castle edition.
In 2022, after recovering studio demos from 1981 intended for a follow-up album featuring Brian Howe, the band unveiled Right Or Wrong through Conquest Music. This release included guest performances by Neil Murray, Russell Gilbrook, Jeff Scott Soto, Steve Overland, and Lee Small.
Members
- Bruce Ruff – lead vocals (1975–1981)
- Janick Gers – guitar (1975–1981)
- Phil Brady – bass guitar (1975–1981)
- Graeme Crallan – drums (1975–1981) (Deceased 2008)
- Malcolm Pearson – keyboards (1975–1981, 2022–2024)
- Brian Howe – lead vocals (1981) (Deceased 2020)
- Mick Tucker – guitars (1981, 2022–2024)
- Ian Shuttleworth – bass guitar (1981)
- Toby Sadler – bass guitar (1981, 2023)
- Alexx Stahl – lead vocals (2022–2024)
- Russell Gilbrook – drums (2022–2024)
Studio albums
- White Spirit (1980) MCA Records
- Right Or Wrong (2022) Conquest Music
Compilation contributions
- Metal for Muthas Volume II (1980, EMI) featuring "High Upon High"
- Muthas Pride 12" EP (1980, EMI) including "Red Skies"
- Brute Force (1980, MCA) with the track "Back to the Grind"
- Lead Weight LP (1981, Neat/Base) containing "Cheetah"
- 60 Minutes Plus cassette (1982, Neat) showcasing "Watch Out"
- All Hell Let Loose LP (1983, Base) featuring "Watch Out"
- Metal Minded CD (1987, Prism) including "Watch Out"
- New Wave of British Heavy Metal '79 Revisited CD (1990, Metal Blade) with the song "Cheetah"
Singles and EPs
- "Backs to the Grind" backed with "Cheetah" (1980, Neat), reached No. 3 on the UK Indie chart
- "Midnight Chaser" backed with "Suffragettes" (1980, MCA)
- "High Upon High" backed with "No Reprieve" and "Arthur Guitar" (1980, MCA)